The road to publication can be varied, and we each have to find our own path. Join us for a discussion with three different writers who have each taken a separate path to publication. Madeline Hunter will represent those published by the Big Five, Danielle Price will talk about dealing with a small press, and Casey Clipper will discuss the ins and outs of self publication in an informal, question and answer type setting. Let our published authors help you find your way, and figure out the best path for your own book.

Shakespeare says, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” Pixar’s Story Rules no. 22 tells writers to figure out the most economical telling of their story: “If you know that, you can build out from there.”

IN A WORD is an interactive workshop that explores the vitures of economy and brevity as techniques you can use to help make the most of your every word, whether you’re depicting characters, character interaction and relationships, thickening your plot, describing a setting or creating a “gotcha” moment that will grab your readers.

In the first part of the workshop we’ll look at a few common patterns that sabotageword power. In the second part we’ll have some fun matching wits with accomplished wordsmiths to learn from them some ways we can increase word power in our own writing.

BONUS FEATURE: Candace will read and critique up to two pages of attendees’ writing. There’s a catch: permission to use excerpts from your submission—anonymously of course—for any examples that lend themselves to the interests of our workshop.

BONUS CRITIQUE LIMITED TO 10 REGISTRANTS. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION, FEBRUARY 10. Critiqued work will be returned at the workshop. Send to ckb1@consolidated.net.

Bring a notebook and a couple pages of your own writing and, if you like, an example or two of economy and brevity at work in your own favorite writers.

One of the most famous music promoters in the country, Pat DiCesare of DiCesare Engler Productions became a household name in the Pittsburgh area. When he wrote his first book (“Hard Days, Hard Nights”), he realized the skills he used to promote bands could also be used to promote books. In this presentation, Pat will share the most important lessons he’s learned, the Golden Rules of Promotion.

Katherine will discuss current trends in romance including the burgeoning category of New Adult. She will also discuss the differences between Big 5 Publishing Houses, Small Presses, and Self-Publishing, and which are right for you. Finally, she will present what she sees as the “key” to writing a bestselling romance novel of any type for any publisher. After her presentation, Katherine will take pitches. Please contact Wende Dikec (wendedikec@comcast.net) to schedule your slot.

Topic: Great Beginnings: Critiquing the First Few Pages of Your Work In Progress

Moderators: Wendy Kelly and Colleen Laughlin

Join us for a critiquing session to work on the all important first scene of your book. We’ll divide into groups, led by our our critiquing masters Wendy Kelly and Colleen Laughlin. During this hands-on session you’ll learn valuable critiquing skills and get important feedback on your book. The hook is arguably the most important thing you’ll ever write, so make it the best hook possible. For people looking for that perfect critique partner, this could be a great place to start. Please bring around five copies of the first five pages of your manuscript and be ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

As authors, we know that reviews can make or break our books. In this workshop, we’ll talk about how to approach bloggers and reviewers with review requests, if paid reviews are worth it, and the ethics of reciprocal reviews. What are the elements that make a good review? We’ll end with a discussion about those dreaded one-star reviews – and what is actually worse. Yes, something is.

Guest Speaker: Susan Helene Gottfried

July Meeting

When: July 22-25

Where: New York City

Topic: The Annual RWA Conference

August Meeting

Struggling to determine how much description is needed to make your stories come alive? Learn how to take your readers on an epic journey by developing your setting and capturing the moment. Award-winning author Victoria Roberts will give you tips and tricks for making your settings believable.

September Meeting

Madhu is an author, artist and founder of the Mindful Writers Group. She has a doctorate in the phenomenology of Religion from the University of Pittsburgh (1988) and a post-doctoral Fellowship from Harvard University (1989-1991).

Incorporating mindfulness into your life will help you focus, bringing clarity and organization to your writing, and it worlds. Member of the Mindful Writers Group have described it as “life altering” and “the most productive day of my week.”